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Neil Lee Swenson, age 65 of Bruno, MN entered heaven on October 14th, 2021 at Essentia Health St. Mary's with his family by his side.

The world became a brighter and more beautiful place on May 22, 1956 when Neil entered our earthly world. Nothing meant more to him than his family starting with his parents, Dolores and Elliott Swenson. Neil was the ultimate big brother and the glue of the Swenson family. He thought about and loved his six younger siblings every day of his life.

Neil spent most of his young life in various places around the Twin Cities eventually moving from Coon Rapids to a rural farm in Bruno in 1971.  It didn't take him long to meet his soulmate and eventual bride of 46 years, Jeanette (Storebo). Neil joined the Air Force right after graduating from Askov High School in 1974 and as soon as he built up his courage, asked for Min and Birdie's blessings to marry Jeanette and they started their lives together. Off they went to live the military life in Mountain Home, Idaho. Just a year later, they welcomed their son, Jesse, to the family.  After many memories and friendships in Idaho, Neil completed his service and they moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family. They soon completed their family when Nikki was born. Neil spent the next 38 years commuting from Bruno to Graco in Minneapolis.  After retiring from Graco, he worked at the East Central School District where he could give a daily hug and high five to his grandchildren in the hallway.  While Neil was a dedicated and talented employee, his true passion and greatest talent was in being a father. Nothing made him happier or prouder than his wife, children, and grandchildren. Everything he did in life was for them. As a family they made so many memories camping, fishing, hunting, cheering on sporting events, barbecuing, watching movies, playing music, and just being together.

Anyone who knew Neil, knew what a kind, gentle, amazing, and generous soul he was. He never wanted accolades or attention for his kindness, but we saw him. He never turned down an opportunity to help a neighbor or a friend and he couldn't walk by a puppy without giving them a pat and a treat (or two). Neil loved music, especially Elvis, and had a beautiful singing voice. He was his grandchildren's biggest fan and attended every activity of theirs that he possibly could from dance recitals to sporting events or simply taking them on adventures around town on their golf cart, throwing them "NFL" passes in the yard, or always keeping an endless stock of freezies for when the grandkids would pop in.

Neil has left us far too soon and with an enormous hole in our hearts. He was our father, grandfather, husband, and best friend. He gave the best hugs and always knew when we needed one. We never left his house without knowing that he loved us.

Neil is survived by his loving wife, Jeanette, his son Jesse (Genny) Swenson, his daughter Nikki (Arnie) Cekalla, his five grandchildren Brooke, Gradyn, Ciara, Dane and Jordy, his siblings Zane Swenson, Mitzi Collins, Greg (Jen) Swenson, Reni (Bernie) Loew, Jeni (Matt) Kloss, Suzi (Chris) Swenson, and his very special buddies--his wiener dogs--Elvis and Johnny. Neil had many other special family members, nieces and nephews, friends, and co-workers who he loved very much.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Friday, October 22, 2021 in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Bruno and continue from 10 am until the 11 am Funeral Service on Saturday, October 23, 2021 in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Bruno.  Pastor Philip Hoppe will officiate.  Military Honors will follow the services and be held outside the church.  After the services, cremation will be facilitated and Neil will be inurned in Bruno Cemetery.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.